Hiking Project Logo

Short, scenic trail that climbs tall bluffs, and offers multiple views of the Ohio River as well as a waterfall.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.7

KM

Point to Point

626' 191 m

High

442' 135 m

Low

249' 76 m

Up

260' 79 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Need to Know

Entrance to the park in the warmer months is $7 for Indiana residents, and $9 for people out of state.

Description

Starting near Charlestown Landing Parking Lot, the first 0.8 of the trail follows an old road and runs parallel to the Ohio River. Throughout the entire length of this trail you'll pass abandoned buildings and structures. This trail gives a really big "Rust Belt" feeling. At about 0.8 miles, you'll cross a footbridge before passing the remains of an old stone building, before ascending the bluff. Near the top, you'll cross another bridge which stands over an unnamed waterfall. At about 1.30 miles, you'll reach the top of the bluff.

The remainder of the trail follows the edge of the bluff, featuring multiple outcroppings and a few opportunities for bouldering. Occasionally you may find small abandoned wooden buildings to your right. They are not too far off the trail. Around 2.10 miles in, the trail begins to descend the bluff, passing a few more boulders. The trail ends at the road near Riverside Overlook. Turn left to return to the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Abundance of wildflowers in the spring. Deer are also common.

Contacts

Shared By:

Michael Kontos

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1493

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#13

in Indiana

#1,493

Overall
2 Views Last Month
367 Since Feb 29, 2020
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Creek below waterfall
Mar 6, 2020 near Charles…, IN
Bark shelter
Mar 6, 2020 near Charles…, IN

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 6, 2021
Terry Walsh
lower section of the trail is mostly flooded but otherwise a great hike. 2.3mi
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.